Elbows to the Grindstone…

As of late, Mr. Peacock has noticed some of his favorite jackets and shirts are showing some wear on the elbows—specifically the right elbow. It's probably from rubbing my elbow on my desktop when I use the computer mouse. I guess I need to add some elbow patches.

The past few years have seen a revival in elbow pads in menswear. For some of us peacocks, however, elbow pads have always been a mainstay in our wardrobes.

Elbow patches began as a strictly functional repair—a way to hide wear and tear on jackets, shirts or sweaters. Over time they became mere decoration...and somewhat of a cliché...think of a pipe-smoking gent in a tweedy jacket with oval suede elbow patches standing by a fireplace. The elbow patches of today are far from cliché, and aren’t limited to just oval swatches of suede.

This jacket is traditional tweed, but the elongated rectangle elbow patches are very modern.

This corduroy blazer with suede elbow patches is a classic piece—and I love the lining too!

Mr. Peacock loves this modernized tweed hunting jacket with beautiful pocket detailing...

...and elbow patches. It's at the top of my holiday wish list! (here's another tweed jacket—with tweed elbow pads).

You won’t feel like Mr. Rodgers in this simple and elegant camel colored wool cardigan sweater with leather patches. It's also available in navy.

This slim red cardigan with leather buttons and suede elbow patches and would be festive this season.

Mr. Peacock likes the contrasting red wool buffalo plaid elbow pads on this navy crew knit sweater.

Here’s a navy merino wool turtleneck with elbow patches.

This vintage inspired Pendleton shirt with suede elbow pads looks cozy.

Another vintage inspired shirt with elbow pads.

Buffalo plaid is given a different twist as a rugby shirt with elbow pads.

You can find ready-made elbow patches at your local fabric store and sew them onto your own garments—or have a tailor sew them on for you.

Remember to keep your elbows to the grindstone and stay warm!